Police detain man with gun

YORK — York police on Thursday afternoon handcuffed and detained a 19-year-old local man as he walked along Long Beach Avenue carrying a loaded rifle.

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By Susan Morse

seacoastonline.com

By Susan Morse

Posted Jul. 31, 2013 at 2:00 AM

By Susan Morse
Posted Jul. 31, 2013 at 2:00 AM

» Social News

YORK — York police on Thursday afternoon handcuffed and detained a 19-year-old local man as he walked along Long Beach Avenue carrying a loaded rifle.

Police did not release the man's name as he was not arrested, according to Sgt. Brian Curtin. The man was released at the scene. He had no gun permit and none was needed because the rifle was not concealed, according to Curtin.

The man told police he was exercising his Second Amendment right, Curtin said.

"He was someone practicing the right to open carry," Curtin said.

The matter was referred to the district attorney's office, according to Curtin.

Around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, the man carried the rifle into the Long Sands General Store along Long Beach Avenue, according to Curtin. The street runs along a tourist-filled Long Sands Beach.

The man leaned the firearm against the counter as he paid for two sodas, Curtin said.

The employee behind the counter contacted police, he said.

Officers found the man walking north, heading toward the end of Long Sands Beach near the Cutty Sark Motel, according to Curtin. They detained the man by putting him in handcuffs, questioned him, and released him, letting him know the matter would be referred to the district attorney's office, Curtin said.

The rifle was loaded with bullets in a magazine, but none were in the chamber, meaning at least two steps were needed for the gun to fire, Curtin said.

Police knew the man, but have had no criminal dealings with him, according to Curtin.

Police received one other call about the incident from a highway worker who said he saw the man carrying the rifle along the busy beach road.